Most dining in San Diego is fairly children friendly. We've taken children to Arterra in the Del Mar Marriott and Market with no problems.

Also try the lounge at The Brigantine (Del Mar) for fish tacos and Fidel's and Tony's Jacal in Solana Beach for Mexican. We also like the happy hour/patio dining at Pacific Coast Grill in Solana Beach.

Maybe you'll like Iris Food & Spirits in Carmel Valley just west of I-5 . I had a tasty chicken milanese for dinner one evening, alongside families with kids. Sunsets, the wildlife preserve and a distant view of the Del Mar coastline can't be beat.

Pacifica Breeze Cafe isn't open for dinner, but a great suggestion nonetheless. Breakfast and lunch are served on a patio and they validate your parking tix if you park underneath the building. The City of Del Mar enforces their parking meters everyday up to 6pm.Check this out: http://www.delmar.ca.us/visitors/Page...

Prepare to spend a bit more, but everytime we dine @ Market Restaurant/Bar, there always seems to be big groups of families there...that's how it was a couple of Sundays ago. They do have a unique children's menu that doesn't serve subpar chicken tenders and bland pasta w/marinara sauce.

Try Papachinos for Italian / Pizza. They fuss over the kids and it's great to watch the hot air balloons go by. Also try Ming Courthe chinese place at the corner of Del Mar Hts and Carmel country good chinese and very kid mess-tolerant. Del Mar Pizza on 10th is small and near the beach...they understand about sand and mess and make a good pizza. Sbiccas on 10th is good, but crowded on sunday morning, so pick your time.